DAY 1 HANOI

On arrival you are welcomed by the representative of our local partner agency. Then transfer to the hotel in the city center. Take a half day city tour, which starts with a short cyclo trip to discover the old part of the city. Hanoi got 1000 years of history and culture. It's many trees, lakes and the French quarter is also the reason why the city often is called "the Paris of the east". Go on to see some sights of the capital, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. In the evening an optional visit to the famous Water Puppet Show can be arranged.

DAY 2 HANOI - MAI CHAU

After breakfast drive first to the ancient city of Duong Lam. Take a stroll through the tiny ancient alleys with it's houses, built 100 years ago. You also got the chance to take a bicycle ride in the rural area around the village. Then you will enjoy a tasty home hosted lunch in traditional atmosphere at one of the oldest houses of the village. Afterwards continue to Mai Chau, a mosaic of rice fields, bamboo groves and scattered settlements of the White Thai people. Spend the night in a local house on stilts of a local family.

DAY 3 MAI CHAU - NINH BINH

Early morning take a walk around the village and the through rice fields. After breakfast leave Mai Chau and head towards Ninh Binh. On route visit Hoa Lu, which was the 3rd capital of Vietnam during 10th and 11th century. Another stop will be made at Bich Dong, a small limestone mountain with 3 beautiful pagodas and great views. Go on to Tam Coc and board a local sampan on the Ngo Dong River. Enjoy the great scenery and natural beauty with limestone mountains. You will pass three caves before returning to the boat station. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

DAY 4 NINH BINH - HALONG BAY

After breakfast travel to Halong via the Red River Delta. Then board the junk and check in to your cabin. Set sail through the bay while lunch is served. Passage into picturesque "Dragon descending to the sea" Bay, which has 1969 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. Stop at Titop island and take a short trek to the summit, that offers great views. There is also time for a swimm or just relax. Next stop will be at a large floating fishing village. Back on board enjoy cocktails while watching sunset before dinner. Afterwards you have the chance to join the crew for squid fishing.

DAY 5 HALONG BAY - HANOI

Greet the day watching sunrise over the bay. Go on to visit the beautiful cave by tender. Take a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the mainland. After lunch drive back to Hanoi with some brief stops on route. You will be back in the capital by late afternoon and transfered to the booked hotel.

DAY 6 HANOI

Time at leisure until transfer to the airport and continue your journey...or extend your stay in Hanoi, depend on your further schedule.

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

You must get your visa for Vietnam in advance! Please contact your nearest Vietnam embassy for it. Visa for Vietnam can also be issued here in Thailand, but it takes a couple of days to get it. So it works only if you have a stopover in Bangkok or Chiang Mai before your trip to Vietnam.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation for 3 nights at middle class hotels, 1 night at a simple, but clean house on stilts of a local family and 1 night on a comfortable junk, breakfast, lunch during tours, 2x dinner (in Mai Chau and on the junk), entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED:

Visa for Vietnam, drinks, tips and personal expenses

HOW TO GET TO HANOI:

From/to Bangkok daily flights by Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Air Asia. From/to Vientiane and Luang Prabang (Laos) flights by Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. From/to Phnom Penh and Siem Raep (Cambodia) daily flights by Vietnam Airlines. Various overland trips from/to Laos are available as well. All these flights and transfers can be booked with us.